Diversicare of Dover receives plaque and cash

Legends Bank Branch Manager Kelly Williams, second from left, presents a $250 check and plaque to Mary Todd, president of the Residents Council at Diversicare of Dover. Also pictured at left is Jeff Watson, director of nursing, and Kim Swift, business office manager, right.(Photo: Mark Hicks/The Stewart Houston Times)

DOVER, Tenn. — Diversicare of Dover last week received recognition for its participation in the Senior Crimestoppers program.

The nursing home has been a part of the program since 2002, but because the facility changed its name from Manor House to Diversicare, the local Senior Crimestoppers sponsor, Legends Bank, presented a plaque with the new name, as well as a $250 check.

“It’s mighty nice to know we were not forgotten,” said Mary Todd, president of the Residents Council of the nursing home.

Kim Swift, business office manager, explained that the Senior Crimestoppers program is somewhat similar to regular Crimestopper programs, but instead of offering money for information that could solve a crime or lead to an arrest, Senior Crimestoppers offers a reward when items become missing at the nursing home.

“Say somebody would lose a necklace, they would offer a reward for finding it. That way, the residents might look a little harder for it,” Swift said. “We really don’t have a big problem with it. You might have someone that will find a pair of socks missing.”

Legends donated the money that the residents will now have to decide how to spend.

Todd, a long-time resident of the Carlisle community, said she couldn’t think of any needs at the nursing home, so the Resident’s Council will meet to discuss how to spend the $250. It was suggested that some residents have mentioned a new stereo is needed.

“I think it will go a long way toward what they like to do here,” said Jeff Watson, director of nursing. “The residents really enjoy participating in activities like bingo, so the money might be used for prizes to be awarded to the winners.”

The residents could also lean toward something whimsical for the five-star facility.

Facility administrator Gay Lane said the last time such a donation was received, the residents voted to buy a margarita machine.

“They were all sitting around drinking virgin margaritas,” she said with a chuckle. “We still have it and use it occasionally.”

If a new stereo is their choice, the residents might also consider a CD of mariachi music and maybe a piñata because Cinco de Mayo is only a couple months away.

Mark Hicks can be reached at 931-212-7626 or on Twitter: @markhicksleaf.

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